foremost

/ˈfȯr-ˌmōst/

Middle English formest, from Old English, superlative of forma first; akin to Old High German fruma advantage, Old English fore fore

adjective

  1. first in a series or progression

  2. of first rank or position : preeminent

Safety is their foremost concern.

adverb

  1. in the first place

  2. most importantly

idiom

  1. at the most basic level

He is first and foremost a teacher.